Keep your Jewelry Looking Young

Now that we've ushered in a New Year, let's resolve to treat our jewelry with better care. We'll go to the spa for facials and try new lotions and potions to keep ourselves looking younger, why not give our jewelry some TLC, too?

Hopefully we've unwrapped a few new treasures this year and in order to preserve them we need to take care them! I know it's easy to toss pieces in your jewelry box or purse (gasp!), but with a few extra steps your jewelry will last for the ages and continue to look beautiful, sparkling and new.

Whether it's your favorite piece in your collection or one that's been gathering a bit of dust lately, you should be mindful of caring for your jewelry–after all, a well cared for piece will retain more of its value or fetch more money when you “recycle” it.

Follow these simple care instructions. It really does make a difference!

Avoid the Goop – direct contact with lotions, perfumes, cosmetics, household cleansers and chemicals will damage your jewelry. Apply lotions and perfumes before putting on your jewelry. Take off your rings and bracelets when you're doing the dishes or wear gloves. Not so hard right?

Avoid the Heat – prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and excessive heat may harm your jewelry with colored stones. Do you really need all that bling on the beach?

Avoid the Jumble – A tangled pile of jewelry (You say you'd never do that? Have you looked in your jewelry box lately?) will cause abrasions and scratches. Store each piece individually in pouches or boxes.

Avoid the Crush – when you travel pack your jewelry in a padded jewelry case to protect it from scratches or impact damage. You've seen the baggage handlers tossing suitcases around on the tarmac. . .

Avoid the Scramble – have your pearls and beads re-strung at least once a year, if worn frequently. You'll save yourself from chasing rolling pearls across your floor.

Avoid the Waves – remove all jewelry when swimming in chlorinated or salt water and when playing sports.

For more tips on keeping your jewelry looking young please visit  fayekimdesigns.com or stop in for a free consultation.